it begins with

USAGE SUMMARY

"it begins with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the first part or starting point of something. Example: The recipe for this dish is simple and delicious. It begins with adding diced tomatoes and onions to a hot pan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It begins with desolation.

The New York Times - Arts

It begins with dislocation.

The New York Times

It begins with drought.

Independent

It begins with great promise.

The New York Times - Books

It begins with asking questions.

Independent

It begins with prosperity.

The Washington Post

It begins with wine.

The New York Times

It begins with humor.

The Washington Post

It begins with neither.

The New York Times - Food

IT begins with roads.

The New York Times - Arts

"It begins with trust.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it begins with", ensure the subsequent part of the sentence directly relates to and logically follows from the introductory statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it begins with" if what follows isn't truly the initial element, but rather a component within a larger starting phase. Make sure you aren't describing something further along the chain of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it begins with" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the commencement or initial point of a process, idea, or situation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts to set the stage for subsequent details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it begins with" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce the starting point of a concept, process, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that what follows is indeed the initial element and that it logically connects to the rest of your explanation. Alternatives like "it starts with" or "the first step is" can be used for variety, but "it begins with" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it starts with

Changes the verb to a synonym, 'starts', maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

the first step is

Rephrases to highlight the sequential nature of the beginning as the initial step.

the process initiates with

Uses a more formal tone, replacing 'begins' with 'initiates' and adding 'the process' for clarity.

it commences with

Replaces 'begins' with the more formal 'commences', suitable for formal contexts.

the origin lies in

Shifts the focus to the source or root of something, indicating where it all originates.

the key is to start with

Highlights the importance of the starting point as the 'key' to success or understanding.

the foundation is

Emphasizes the underlying basis or groundwork that something is built upon.

the initial phase involves

Indicates that the beginning involves a specific phase or stage in a process.

it's all about the start

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the importance of the beginning.

the launchpad is

Metaphorically represents the beginning as a 'launchpad' for further development or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "it begins with" in a sentence?

Use "it begins with" to introduce the first step, cause, or element of something. For example, "it begins with a dream", followed by planning and hard work.

What phrases are similar to "it begins with"?

Similar phrases include "it starts with", "the first step is", or "the process initiates with" all of which indicate the starting point of something.

Is "it begins with" formal or informal?

"It begins with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What's the difference between "it begins with" and "it ends with"?

"It begins with" introduces the initial element, while "it ends with" describes the final outcome or conclusion. They are opposite in terms of sequence.